What to expect: A family destination in summer thanks to its supervised children's activities and play space, Dom Pedro Golf Hotel also attracts golfers year-round. The hotel's provides a relaxed, tropical ambience exemplified by a light, terracotta tiled lobby furnished with rattan tables and armchairs.

Amenity highlights: A sunbathing lawn and sun terrace border a family pool and a children's pool. Complimentary supervised children's activities are offered in summer. Exclusively for guests of Dom Pedro hotels, the beach club with restaurant is 450 metres from the hotel. Beach chairs and thatched sun shades can be rented there. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to all four Vilamoura golf courses and to another course, Vila Sol.

Insider tip: A former Moorish stronghold, the town of Loulé is 10 kilometres from the hotel. It is known for artisans such as coppersmiths and leather workers, as well as the partially restored ruins of a medieval Saracen castle that houses an archaeological museum.